Atrogi's Next-Generation Approach to Metabolic Diseases
In his engaging presentation at the COG Nordics 2024 meeting in Copenhagen, Erik Waara, PhD, Chief Operating Officer & Head of Clinical Development of Atrogi, showcased the company's innovative approach to developing drugs for metabolic disorders. Founded by Prof. Tore Bengtsson of Stockholm University in 2013, Atrogi is pioneering a targeted pharmacology strategy that modulates adrenergic receptors to treat diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).
Erik highlighted the growing global burden of T2D, with an estimated 415 million adults diagnosed in 2015 and a projected rise to 642 million by 2040. Atrogi's lead compound, ATR-258, aims to address the limitations of existing T2D drugs by selectively targeting β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-AR) to induce beneficial glycemic effects while minimizing cardiovascular side effects.
The company recently completed a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial (ATTRACTIVE-1) with ATR-258, demonstrating its safety and tolerability in both healthy volunteers and T2D patients. Erik emphasized the importance of selecting the right clinical CRO partner, such as CRS Clinical Research Services in Mannheim, Germany, which understands the challenges faced by small biotech start-ups.
As Atrogi prepares for further development of ATR-258, they have completed a Phase 2 enabling non-clinical toxicology program and developed a solid drug product formulation. The company plans to conduct a pharmacokinetic bridge study, a dose escalation study in healthy volunteers, and a 6-month Phase 2 trial in 160 patients across approximately 30 sites in Europe.
Erik acknowledged the challenges Atrogi has faced, including clinical trial delays, patient recruitment, and managing third-party vendors. He stressed the importance of collaboration with key partners in research, CMC, ADME/PK/toxicology, regulatory affairs, and clinical development to ensure success.
Erik's presentation showcased Atrogi's cutting-edge approach to developing targeted therapies for metabolic diseases, focusing on their lead compound ATR-258 for T2D. With a strong team, strategic collaborations, and promising clinical results, Atrogi is well-positioned to bring the next generation of metabolic disorder drugs to patients in need.
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